‘American Idol’ Season 23 Finale: Winner Crowned in Spectacular Live Show

May 19, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — After months of intense competition, emotional performances, and millions of viewer votes, ‘American Idol’ has officially crowned the winner of Season 23 during a high-energy live finale broadcast on ABC.

Spoiler Alert: This article reveals the winner of ‘American Idol’ Season 23.

A Night to Remember

The Top 3 finalists—John Foster, Brea Lee, and Malik James—brought their best to the stage one final time, delivering powerhouse performances in hopes of winning America's vote. The evening was filled with musical tributes, celebrity guest appearances, and emotional farewells, as the long-running singing competition closed out another memorable season.

And the Winner Is…

John Foster, a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas, was crowned the ‘American Idol’ Season 23 winner, beating out fellow finalists Brea Lee and Malik James. Foster’s final performance, an original song titled “Open Sky,” brought the judges and audience to their feet, sealing his fate as this year’s champion.

With a powerful blend of pop and soul, Foster consistently impressed both the judges and fans throughout the season. His authenticity, vocal strength, and songwriting ability set him apart, making him a fan favorite from early on.

“A Star Is Born” – Judges React

The finale marked a bittersweet moment for the panel of judges—Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan—as they praised the Top 3 for their artistic growth and resilience.

“John has that rare quality where his voice tells a story. He’s not just singing the notes—he’s living them,” said Lionel Richie.

Katy Perry, who confirmed earlier this season that this would be her final year as a judge, called Foster “a born performer” and thanked the show for “giving young talent a platform to change their lives.”

Luke Bryan added, “All three finalists were deserving, but John had that spark tonight. He gave us chills.”

Finale Performances & Highlights

The live two-hour finale was packed with standout performances. Each finalist performed three songs: a judge’s choice, a fan-favorite from earlier in the season, and an original single.

• John Foster captivated with his rendition of Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” followed by his standout Week 6 performance of “Ain’t No Sunshine” and his new original “Open Sky.”

• Brea Lee, known for her powerhouse vocals, wowed with “I Will Always Love You,” her earlier hit “Drivers License,” and original track “Glass Heart.”

• Malik James brought an emotional edge with “Ordinary People,” his fan-favorite “Let It Go” (James Bay), and his own song “Fade to Gold.”

In between performances, fans were treated to duets with former Idol winners and chart-topping artists including Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, and last year’s winner, Emma Reynolds.

Voting and Fan Reactions

Voting opened immediately after the first round of performances and remained open until the final commercial break. According to ABC, a record-breaking 35 million votes were cast during the live finale.

Social media buzzed throughout the night, with the hashtag #AmericanIdolFinale trending nationwide. Fans praised all three finalists, but many celebrated Foster’s win as a well-deserved conclusion to a standout season.

“John Foster is the real deal. His music is going straight to the top,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

What’s Next for the Winner?

As part of his victory, Foster will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records and a $250,000 cash prize. He’s expected to begin work on his debut album immediately, with his coronation single “Open Sky” now available on all major streaming platforms.

In his first interview after winning, Foster thanked his supporters and the Idol team.

“This show changed my life. I’m so grateful to my family, the fans, and everyone who believed in me,” he said, visibly emotional. “This is just the beginning.”

End of an Era: Katy Perry Says Goodbye

The finale also served as a farewell to Katy Perry, who announced her departure after seven seasons on the judging panel. The show honored her with a heartfelt video tribute and a surprise performance from past contestants she mentored.

Perry closed the show with a powerful performance of her hit “Roar”, joined onstage by dozens of former Idol alumni.

“This chapter has been unforgettable,” Perry said in a tearful goodbye. “Thank you for letting me be part of your journeys.”

Looking Ahead

With Season 23 now in the books, American Idol continues to prove its lasting appeal. Despite evolving formats and stiff competition from other talent shows, Idol remains a ratings powerhouse for ABC.

Showrunners have confirmed that Season 24 is already in the works, with auditions set to begin this summer. As one star rises, the search for the next voice of America continues.